2014: A fresh new start

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Happy new year to all!  It’s hard to believe 2013 is already behind us. As I look towards 2014, I like to take time and reflect on the past year: my experiences, accomplishments, things I’d like to do better, etc.  Each new year, I try to make a list of simple goals or to-do’s I’d like to focus on in different areas of my life. I don’t like to call them resolutions, as I feel I’m always in a quest to better myself, and the term itself just doesn’t seem to stick for me, it’s too broad and lacks specificity. Instead, I prefer to make a list of the little things – specific things – I will do to improve on. This makes things more measurable and attainable, and I get a greater sense of fulfillment from being able to check off the tasks on my list.

2013 was quite a different year for me. I feel like it’s been a bit of a blur actually for the first half.  We started the year with my mother being in surgery to remove her cancer. She had ovarian cancer and was undergoing surgery in January, and the first 6-7 months of the year were tough, keeping a close eye on my mother’s health and taking care of her as much as I could through her chemo treatments. It was emotionally charged, but luckily I’m happy to report that she is doing much better now. It’s amazing what a difference a year can make.  I was also on maternity leave and had extended my absence in order to spend more time with my mom, and kids, and went back to work in August when my youngest daughter was 18 mths. That alone was a big change as well. On that front, I was able to ease back into work fairly well. We also took a family vacation on a cruise to the Caribbean in early December, which was nice and relaxing. On the home front, we did our backyard and updated our powder room. I also started this blog. Although I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time to it as I would have hoped, I’m still pleased that I finally started writing. All in all, I had a tough beginning, but ended the year on a good note, with everyone healthy and well, which is what matters the most. This year taught me more than ever before that there’s no time to waste, and I need to focus on things that matter most to me: my family and what brings me joy. My mom’s health scare really put everything in greater perspective for me. I was ready to drop everything to do anything I needed to support my loved ones. I am glad that I had the opportunity to take a longer leave of absence from work to be with my mom and spend more time raising my youngest daughter, and I truly appreciated every little in-between moments. It’s not all about the accomplishments, and the big milestones, it’s the little moments, and the daily things that made a big difference for me, the fact that I was wholly present for them if you know what I mean.  I’ve always been one to really appreciate these simple moments and be grateful for each day I have.

In 2014, I feel an even greater need to simplify my life and really focus on what’s truly important to me, and what matters to me and my family, even it might mean making some uncomfortable changes. Overall, I want to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, unhurriedly and celebrate the small milestones as well as the big ones. I want to slow down, invest in my personal growth and development by ensuring I’m also a priority and not last on the list. I want to stress less at work, and remember to focus on the big picture, and find ways to be professionally fulfilled without feeling like I’m sacrificing prime time with my family.  Instead of my typical to do-list each new year, this 2014, my husband and I will truly be assessing how we want to live our life,  and making a roadmap on what we need to do to get there. It’s a bit scary to think of the many changes, but I know that this is right step towards achieving our true dreams and goals. We just need to remind ourselves that everyone’s journey and milestones are different. We need to focus on what is best for us and not what others would expect of us. Taking risks when things are comfortable is difficult, but I know that the rewards will be worth it.

Whatever your aspirations for 2014, I wish each one of you a happy new year, blessed with good health, happiness, success and fulfillment!

 

 

Beautiful color inspiration from Design Seeds

I've been busy and bogged down with so much work, I've barely had anytime for this blog.
Put 2 kids in the equation, and it's like this place is at the bottom of my list... which brings me to this: how do people manage a full time job and writing a blog on a regular basis effectively?
I suppose it's all in the planning - and making a commitment to post. But honestly, it's so difficult when so many other things are higher priority.

I would love to get to a point one day when I could just blog and do design work for a living. Ah, that's my dream and I'm sure many also share that same vision.  I'm by no means an interior designer, but I just love decorating, reading design magazines and watching all those reno/decorating shows when time permits. It would be my dream to turn my hobby into something more - but I don't know how to. Actually, I do know what I need to do, but I haven't been able to follow through with my plan. I feel like I have all this knowledge and business skills, but I just don't have the time!

I work full time in a demanding high tech environment and have a pretty good thing going on. In fact, it would be very hard for me to walk away and I would only do it if it were to start my own thing. I love what I do, but I also long to break out on my own and be my own boss... This blog is supposed to act as a stepping stone for me to share my design aspirations and design boards, and connect with fellow bloggers, expand my network, and hopefully help make my dream a reality.  I feel like I'm failing miserably right now with the "connect" part.  The funny thing is that one of the main things holding me back is that I have an issue with sharing my identity. First off, I have a very unique name (trust me on this one!) and I don't want to be known... because well, it might ialso nterfere with my current job. Isn't that silly?  How am I supposed to connect without being transparent about who I am? Have you noticed I haven't included my name anywhere - that's exactly because of this fear of being know and identity theft and all. I might be nuts, but when you have a name as unique as mine, it becomes a bigger deal for me. Will I ever overcome this? Yes, in time I'm sure I'll have to accept this as a reality. Our world is so virtual now that it's almost impossible to remain private - which comes with some good and bad.

Anyway, I would love to hear from those of you who also work full time and have a blog. How do you manage? do you have any pointers to share?

Of course, after rambling on above, I couldn't possibly leave you without something visual, so here's what's I really wanted to share with you today. These beautiful color palettes from Design Seeds,  Autumn Chill & Color Breeze have captured my heart. Such liveable, soft and muted colors! I absolutely love. Now how to incoporate into my home...perhaps my master bedroom? :)

Nursery design board

My youngest daughter just turned 18 months last week, and it's time I tackle her bedroom. I've mentioned here before that we haven't done much in the past to her room, mainly because we didn't have time, and I didn't know which direction to take - but I finally feel ready to commit!

After looking through my inspiraton files, I've found a common thread, and I've totally been gravitating towards a combination of peach/coral, gold, grey/stone, and yellow. I love those colors together, and always thought it would be perfect for my little girl's room. Then I found this wallpaper, which totally sealed the deal, and set the wheels in motion. LOVE!

 source: walnutwallpaper.com

Here's what I have in mind:

 

I've put together this design board to help me visualize it all - and I must say, I'm even more excited now! doesn't it look amazing?  :)

 

The crib, billy bookcase, chair, and ikea dresser - we already have. We've also switched out the dresser knobs to clear glass ones for more sparkle a long time ago, and I think I will keep them, but I have been playing with the idea of using gold pull rings as well.

 

I love the crib bedding which has that animal print - but if I can't find something like that, I would use the grey fabric to make the crib skirt, the polka dot for pillows, and the soft peach paisley fabric for the crib sheet. The ikat-like fabric on the top right would be used for window coverings.

 

The wallpaper would be going up on one wall only - as a focal point, where the crib and dresser currently sit. On the opposite wall, where we have our chair + bookcase, I will be adding the gold pouf and similar style floor lamp and side table. I love that the side table has that gold rim and has 3 surfaces to put books, etc. I also want to do a wall of pictures/ art using frames of various sizes, and in tones of grey, gold, white, and black. Will probably get most of my frames from Target and Home Sense since they both have a wide selection.

 

I've added a rug above in the design, but since we already have light broadloom, I might skip it - though I love the added texture/ print it would bring to the room. A nice to have - we'll see.

 

Don't you love the accent pillows? they're so cute and can be found on Etsy. Ditto for the artwork: mr Fox, bunny, and A (first name initial of my babe).

 

Hopefully I can get this makeover done within the month. I'll be sure to share progress.

 

Let me know what you think, would love to hear from you!

J Crew necklaces - my best kept secret

When it comes to shopping, there are things that I'm willing to spend extra money on, and there are things like accessories, which I can't justify spending a fortune on. I have no issues with handbags, but for costume jewelry, I just can't bring myself to dish it out. But we all know how that extra piece of accessory can totally finish off your look like nothing else. Take J Crew for example, whenever I see their store displays, I'm mainly attracted to the jewelry that they coordinated with the outfits. If you take that piece out, the outfit becomes so plain, but add that statement necklace, and bam, you've got a completely different look, so chic and finished.

I've always coveted the J Crew necklaces, but never wanted to spend so much - especially being in Canada, it's ridiculous how much more the same item costs. For some months now, I've been on the hunt to find affordable alternatives, and today I'm about to share with you the 2 best sources for your J Crew statement necklaces. Turns out, there are a whole lot of people selling J Crew inspired necklaces online, and of course, at a bargain price! ;)

My 2 favorite sources are Etsy and Ali Express. Type in "statement necklace" or "J Crew necklace" and you'll see tons of results (you can even find Kate Spade, Stella & Dot, etc).You have to be careful though, there are different levels of quality for the same items, so it's really up to you to decide what you're comfortable with. I try to get the best/ most authentic ones, and even though the pieces are pricier than some other, you're still saving a bundle compared to the retail price in the store, and you're guaranteed a better quality. Some sellers on Ali Express are actually the OEM for the product and you can tell by their postings, pictures and descriptions. I got a few items and compared them to the ones in store, and seriously, there was NO difference. I could have paid $198 in store for this one necklace and instead scored it online for $34.99. Now that's a deal that won't burn a hole in your pocket book. But be warned, once you start buying, you can't stop! It's so addictive. They are truly worth it though - these are beautiful statement necklaces, and they also make a great birthday or holiday present.

Let me share with you some of my favorite pieces at the moment - and yes, I own most of them now ;)  and get tons of compliments all the time...

Tortoise & crystal - love! This is so trendy and now, yet so timeless.
This one makes you feel so sophisticated right away. Pair with black top and camel skirt -big hit!

Simply stunning - this picture doesn't do it justice. It's so beautiful

This one is still in store and is soo pretty!
It's a bit harder to pair I find, but would look awesome with any solid color top, black, white, denim, to add that punch.

Another one which the pic doesn't do justice. Also in some stores still.
It's definitely a statement and looks amazing.



This is one of the most popular J Crew necklace at the moment.
It looks beautiful in person. Has a vintage look that I adore and goes with so many things!



This one is so gorgeous too!
It has similar feel to the one above but this one incl. white stones with the crystals.

 

So tell me, do you have a favorite? Next time, I think I'll post how I pair these with my outfits.

Fall fashion lookbook

Since I've been back to work, I've taken the opportunity to rebuild my wardrobe. Part of it was necessity. I mean, my body is simply not the same as before, and after 2 kids, I kind of needed a few updates. Lucky for me, I'm actually smaller now than after I had my first child, but still... I also feel like I'm at this point in my life where I really want to invest in QUALITY over quantity. Must be something about being in my thrities now ;-) This means that I'd rather save up to buy investment / better quality pieces that will last me a long time, rather than shopping compulsively and buying simply because it's on sale. I know we're all guilty of that, and I'm going to have to try extra hard not to give in. I might have fewer items but I'll have ones which I will love for a longer period of time - and I'm referring in particular to items like handbags, shoes, and jewelry.

I love that Fall is just around the corner, because it's hands down my favorite fashion season. The temperatures have been particularly cold in the morning this week, and summer feels completely over, but I don't mind at all. I'm ready for the rich colors and the layers that come with Fall. Since I own many jackets, blazers, and coats, this is my favorite time of year to wear them all. I just have a real obsession with jackets/blazers.

Anyways, here are some looks I've saved on pinterest that I'm absolutely loving... there's definitely a common theme: tan, burgundy, greys... you can't ever go wrong with those. OMG, I can't get my mind off that short Burberry trench (3rd photo) with the leather belt!

 

I'm back

It feels like an eternity since my last blog post and I apologize. I figured now is a good time as ever to to get back on this blog, with back to school this week. There's nothing like a fresh start right? :)

I've been off the radar mainly because our summer has been quite busy, with vacation, home updates, social events, etc.  I mean it just flew by so fast! August came and went and now it's September! Wow. Seems like every year just goes by that much faster for some reason. Do you feel like that too?

I also went back to work as of August. It's been a big change for me since I've been on maternily leave and staying at home for a year and half.  So yeah things have been a bit busy around here. You can see why I've neglected the blog a little. I've had so many moments where I wanted to share this and that with you, but just couldn't get the energy and time to get to it. But now I'm back and I'm making a commitment to myself and my readers to write a lot more - and this means, miminum once a week. I love having this outlet and I can't wait to share some wonderful inspired interiors and fashion with you. Thanks for checking in and sticking around!

Happy Canada Day

 

Canada Day tulips

I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful long weekend. Today marks Canada's 146th anniversary, and I couldn't be more proud to be Canadian. I love this beautiful country, the people and the majestic geography from coast to coast. I first came to visit Canada as a young girl, in the middle of winter in 1986 in Montreal. All I could remember was the cold and snow. I had never seen so much snow in my life! My parents loved it, and two years later, in 1988, my family immigrated to Montreal (from France), and I've lived in Montreal, and now Toronto ever since. I am so thankful that my parents moved. Nothing compares to Canada and its people. It's an amazing place to live and I feel truly fortunate to call this place home.

In honour of Canada Day, I thought I'd share with you some beautiful spaces decked in red and white.
(All images are from Pinterest)

Gorgeous design by Windsor Smith - love the red lantern and chairs!

An understated, but fresh and crisp palette of red and white

Love the tub in red!

An inviting bed

Master bedroom nook in Sarah's Cottage (Sarah Richardson)
(red and white paired with touches of blue/gray)

A girls bedroom designed by Sarah Richardson
(the red and white mixed with the light blue is perfect!)